2 inmates escape from Quebec jail in helicopter

SAINT-JEROME, Quebec -- One of two prison inmates in Quebec has been recaptured following a daring daylight escape Sunday that involved a helicopter.

Authorities in Saint-Jerome say the inmates climbed up a rope into the hovering helicopter that was being flown by a pilot who's now considered "an important witness." After authorities tracked down the chopper, the pilot was taken to a local hospital and was treated for shock.

Authorities say three people, including one of the inmates, were arrested 30 miles north of the jail. Later, the second inmate was spotted near where the three others were arrested and police have him surrounded.

Quebec provincial police Sgt. Benoit Richard says the escapee is holed up in a compound and authorities are trying to negotiate with him "to find a peaceful resolution."

A Montreal radio station (98.5) said it received a call Sunday from a man claiming to be the escaper, and he was he was "ready to die."